Budapest’s Museum of Ethnography Wins New International and National Honors
Budapest’s cultural scene has once again received the spotlight as the Museum of Ethnography (Néprajzi Múzeum) collected prestigious awards both internationally and in Hungary over the past week. Known for its innovative exhibitions and forward-thinking approach, the museum continues to redefine the visitor experience, making its collections not only accessible but also deeply engaging for audiences of all ages.
Recognition on the European Stage
One of the most remarkable acknowledgments came at the European Museum Academy conference in Budapest, where the Museum of Ethnography reached the finals of the Luigi Micheletti Award, one of the continent’s most respected museum accolades. This award celebrates institutions that bring innovation, creativity, and critical thinking into the museum world, particularly in history, science, and industrial heritage.
The museum impressed the jury with its permanent collection, unveiled in 2022, which spans nearly 3,000 square meters and displays more than 3,600 artifacts and 1,600 photographs. Organized into eight thematic sections, the exhibition places storytelling at its core. Objects are not simply showcased for their historical significance but are presented through their personal and cultural journeys. Visitors are invited to explore broader social processes, family histories, and cross-cultural connections, all woven into a narrative that is both critical and interactive.
What makes the exhibition especially unique is its blend of classical museology with modern digital methods. Interactive installations, multimedia features, and child-friendly elements ensure that every visitor, from seasoned cultural enthusiasts to young learners, can connect with the stories on display. According to the jury, the museum strikes a rare balance between scholarly authenticity and a public-friendly approach, opening bold conversations about identity, culture, and society.
Awards at Home
Just two days after its international recognition, the museum was honored at the opening event of the 20th Autumn Festival of Museums in Szentendre. Here, it won a special prize for its “Experimental Broadcast” program, an interdisciplinary project developed with the participation of students from major Hungarian universities, including ELTE, the University of Theatre and Film Arts, and the Hungarian University of Fine Arts.
The program focused on making questions of national identity understandable and relatable to secondary school students through personal, creative, and artistic workshops. By blending education, performance, and cultural study, the project highlighted how museums can serve as spaces of dialogue, not just preservation.
On the same occasion, József Molnár, a recently retired museum educator, received a well-earned Lifetime Achievement Award. Over his career, he was a driving force in making the museum inclusive, creating programs for disadvantaged groups, and advancing digital learning content. His efforts mark a legacy of accessibility and cultural openness that remains at the heart of the museum’s mission.
A Track Record of Innovation
These latest recognitions add to an impressive list of recent achievements. The museum has already won multiple prizes at the Red Dot Awards, where its permanent exhibition, multimedia solutions, and the ZOOM catalogue all received international design recognition. This consistent acknowledgment reflects how the institution embraces bold, innovative methods to transform the museum experience into something truly memorable.
What’s Coming Up in October
For those planning a visit to Budapest, October is an especially exciting time to experience the Museum of Ethnography. Beyond its award-winning permanent exhibitions and regular guided tours, the museum is offering a rich program for guests. On October 5, the institution celebrates the birthday of its founder, János Xántus, with a day of family-friendly events that include music, theatre performances, and special guided tours. Just a week later, on October 11, the museum will host the festival “Style, Rhythm, Tradition,” celebrating the first anniversary of its permanent exhibition. The day promises concerts, workshops for children, theatre, dance performances, and unique curator-led tours that bring the collection to life.
Why You Should Visit
The Museum of Ethnography is more than just a space filled with artifacts; it is a cultural hub where Hungary’s past and present intertwine in creative and thought-provoking ways. Situated in Budapest’s Liget district, it offers foreign visitors a chance to not only discover Hungary’s rich ethnographic heritage but also to engage with challenging questions about identity, tradition, and cultural transformation. Its international awards and innovative programs only underline what visitors quickly realize on arrival: this is not an ordinary museum visit, but an immersive cultural journey.
For travelers looking to go beyond the usual sights of Budapest, the Museum of Ethnography has cemented itself as a must-see destination—one that is as relevant to Europe’s museum scene as it is captivating for curious visitors from around the world.
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